In difesa della sociologia come scienza

Abstract

The paper presents the recent Italian edition of John Goldthorpe’s On Sociology from the point of view of the current discussion on the epistemological status of the social sciences. The topic is particularly relevant in Italy, where a strong tradition of scientific sociology never truly developed. Goldthorpe’s position is described, and it is argued it is likely to have a strong impact on the Italian debate, given the relatively weak support scientific sociology traditionally receives in Italian academia. The majority of Italian sociologists are not familiar with quantitative methods and rigorous reasoning: Goldthorpe’s influence could push at least a part of them towards a more scientific approach. Then Goldthorpe’s theoretical foundations are discussed, with particular reference to rational action theory. It is argued that Goldhtorpe support for rational action theory and methodological individualism has at least three roots: a negative one, an analytical one, and a substantive one. The latter is the one that may prove weaker, from both a substantive and a sociology of science point of view.